We start in Gramat and travel on foot to Rocamadour following 12km of the Way of St. James.

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” (John 1:35-39)

Village of Grammat

Start of our Camino – learning to read the signs

“Do I praise God for the wonders of his creation? Do I thank him for the little things?”

“How do I make myself available for what God could ask me?”

“Do I want to follow Jesus?”

“Following Jesus in faith is to walk with him in the communion of the Church. You cannot follow Jesus alone.” Pope Benedict XVI

“Am I active in learning more about my faith, like the two disciples who listen to John’s teaching?”

RocamadourA village built into the edge of a cliff. One of the four main medieval pilgrimage sites (along with Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela).

“Following Jesus means taking up one’s own cross to accompany him on his path, an uncomfortable path that is not one of success or earthly glory, but which leads to true freedom, the freedom from selfishness and sin.” Pope Francis

Statue of the Black Virgin – Our Lady of Rocamadour
The Black Madonna is located in the Chapelle Notre Dame, a gothic style chapel built in 1479. The Black Virgin is believed to have been carved by St. Amadour (St. Amator)

Within Rocamadour

“You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” St Augustine

View from Rocamadour

“Following Jesus is simple but not easy.” St. Mother Theresa

Ligugé Abbey

St. Martin of Tours is a popular saint from the 4th century who founded Liguge Abbey. According to legend, during his military service, St. Martin met a beggar and cut off half of his military cloak to give him to wear. In a dream that night, Martin dreamed that it was Jesus who wore the half-cloak. As a Christian, Martin lived throughout Europe and served as a monk, and later as bishop of Tours. Martin reportedly was reluctant to become Bishop- even hiding himself in a barn full of geese- but eventually was consecrated after being tricked to come to the city church to help a supposed sick person in need. As bishop, he visited his parishes regularly, freed prisoners, and opposed the practice of putting heretics to death.

Ligugé Abbey was founded in Poitiers, France in 360. The Abbey survived many wars and invasions over the years and was a favorite place of Pope Clement V, but eventually fell in significance- even being used by the state as the Municipal Council chamber during the years around the French Revolution. It now serves as a Benedictine abbey, with a community of around 25 people. The Benedictines are known for their work in hospitality, brewing, teaching, liturgical work, art, and architecture.

Underground Chapel from the 4th century where St. Martin orated

“Am I willing to leave everything to follow Christ? Am I willing to leave all I own, to leave my dreams, plans, friends and family because I know that God has planned for me can only be greater than what I can conceive”?